Method of executing scanning in broadband wireless access system

ABSTRACT

The primitives between an upper management layer and the MAC layer within a mobile station and a base station are defined in order to specify and clarify the operations within the protocol stack layers in a broadband wireless access system to allow a mobile station to perform scanning procedures. Media Independent Handover (MIH) procedures can be achieved because the NCMS and MIH layer can communicate through use of these primitives.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119, this application claims the benefit ofearlier filing date and right of priority to Korea Application No.10-2005-24695, filed Mar. 24, 2005, Korean Application No.10-2005-81987, filed Sep. 3, 2005, and Korean Application No.10-2006-20225, filed Mar. 3, 2006, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a broadband wireless access system, andmore particularly, to a method of clearly defining the primitives usedfor the protocol stack within the mobile station and the protocol stackwithin the base station, in order to support a scanning operationperformed by the mobile station in order to verify the channel qualityof neighboring base stations.

BACKGROUND ART

The system of the IEEE 802.16e that is undergoing internationalstandardization with respect to broadband wireless access systems, doesnot have a layered architecture comprised of a HLR (Home LocationRegister), a VLR (Visitor Location Register), a MSC (Mobile SwitchingCenter), a BSC (Base Station Controller), a RNC (Radio NetworkController), and the like, as in the existing 2G and 3G mobilecommunication systems, but instead, is comprised of only a MSS (MobileSubscriber Station), a BS (Base Station) and a ASA (AuthenticationService Authorization).

The broadband wireless access system defines the protocols of the MAC(Medium Access Control) layer and the PHY (PHYsical) layer that arecommon between the base station and the mobile station (MSS). FIG. 1depicts an exemplary protocol layer architecture for a broadbandwireless access system.

FIG. 2 depicts the procedures for searching and broadcasting neighborbase station information in a broadband wireless access system accordingto the related art.

If the mobile station (MSS) receives a neighbor base station informationbroadcast message (MOB_NBR-ADV) from a serving base station [S21], themobile station temporarily stops data reception from the serving basestation and transmits a scan request message (MOB_SCN-REQ) in order toobtain a certain amount of time (duration=N frames) for performingchannel quality measurements of neighbor base stations [S22]. While themobile station measures the channel quality of neighbor base stations,the serving base station stops any data transmission to the mobilestation, but stores such data that be may be transmitted after thescanning (searching) duration requested by the mobile station has beencompleted. The MOB_NBR-ADV is a message that is broadcast by the servingbase station to the mobile station in order to provide informationrelated to neighbor base stations, and may contain the total number ofneighbor base stations, identifiers for the neighbor base stations,frequencies used by the neighbor base stations, channel information ofthe neighbor base stations, and the like.

In response to the scan request message (MOB_SCN-REQ) sent from themobile station, the serving base station transmits a scan responsemessage (MOB_SCN-RSP) [S23]. In FIG. 2, the serving base station isguaranteed a time duration from the Mth frame until the Nth frame toperform channel quality measurements for the neighbor base stations. Inother words, the scanning (searching) duration requested by the mobilestation is guaranteed by the scan request message and the scan responsemessage between the mobile station and the serving base station, and themobile station and serving base station agree that the guaranteedduration should begin after the Mth frame. The mobile station thenmeasures the channel quality of neighbor base stations during theguaranteed scanning duration [S24, S25]. The mobile station provides thescanning results to the serving base station by transmitting a scanningresult report message (MOB_SCAN-REPORT) [S26].

As explained above, in the related art, the messages used by the mobilestation to perform scanning that are transmitted and received with thebase station are defined, but the operations actually related toscanning are not defined for the protocol stack (layers) within themobile station and the protocol stack (layers) within the base station.Namely, there are no definitions for the primitives with respect toinformation transferred between the MAC layer and upper managemententity via the NCMS (Network Control Management System), within theprotocol stacks of the mobile station and the base station,respectively.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention involves the recognition by thepresent inventors of the drawbacks in the related art as explainedabove. In order to address such problems, the present invention providesa method of defining the primitives between an upper management layerand the MAC layer in order to specify and clarify the operations withinthe protocol stack layers in a broadband wireless access system to allowa mobile station to perform scanning procedures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principle of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary protocol layer architecture for a broadbandwireless access system.

FIG. 2 depicts the procedures for searching and broadcasting neighborbase station information in a broadband wireless access system accordingto the related art.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary protocol architecture model that considersMedia Independent Handover (MIH).

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the principles of how the primitives operateaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described as being implemented in a broadbandwireless access system, such as a 802.16e network. However, the presentinvention may also be adapted and implemented in communication systemsoperating under other types of communication specifications (e.g.,802.16g, 802.21, 802.11u, etc.), because the concepts and teachings ofthe present invention could be applied to various communication schemesthat operate in a similar manner based upon common techniques.Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention areexplained below with reference to the attached Figures.

Also, certain aspects of the present invention will be described withrespect to particular names for the entities, interfaces, primitives,messages, etc., but those skilled in the art will clearly understandthat such names are non-limiting, as other names (label, terms, etc.)may also be used as long as their functions correspond with those taughtby the present invention.

The present invention provides a method that allows an entity thatperformed management or control of a system (mobile station or basestation) to manage the MAC layer and the PHY layer by transferringprimitives from a MAC layer, through a NCMS (Network Control ManagementSystem), to the necessary upper management entity. In particular, whenthe mobile station performs scanning, a method of defining theprimitives that need to be transferred between the MAC layer and theupper management entity via the NCMS in the protocol stacks within themobile station and the base station is provided.

Hereafter, the management entity refers to all entities that interfacewith the NCMS, and can be any logical management entity or physicalmanagement entity that exists in the IP layer or its upper layer withina device. The operation of the present invention may look as if the NCMSdirectly sends (delivers) the primitives, because communication isperformed from the upper management entity, via the NCMS, to theManagement SAP (M-SAP) or Control SAP (C-SAP).

The upper management entity used in the present invention can be locatedabove a layer management entity within a protocol stack as shown in FIG.1, and be divided into a physical or logical upper management entitythat communicates through the NCMS or management SAP of a layermanagement entity. The upper management entity may exist within aparticular protocol stack or may exist as a separate and independentsystem or stack, but will be conceptually referred to as an uppermanagement entity.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary protocol architecture model that considersMedia Independent Handover (MIH).

The primitives provided by the present invention are delivered(transferred) to the NCMS (Network Control & Management System) via aManagement SAP (M-SAP) or a Control SAP (C-SAP), and the NCMS candeliver (transfer) the primitives to the necessary locations includingthe upper management entities.

The M-SAP can have the functions for performing system configuration,for monitoring statistics, for notifications/triggers, etc., but are notlimited to only these functions. The C-SAP can have the functions forperforming handovers (e.g., notification of HO request from MS, etc.),for idle mode mobility management (e.g., mobile entering idle mode), forsubscriber and session management (e.g., mobile requesting sessionsetup), for radio resource management, etc., but are not limited to onlythese functions. Although the primitives of the present invention may bedistinguished according to their functions above, such primitives can bedelivered through the M-SAP and/or C-SAP.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the principles of how the primitives operateaccording to the present invention. Primitives that require cooperationwith a remote entity are shown in FIG. 4, while primitives that are onlydelivered within a local stack are shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, when there is cooperation with a remote entity, apair of operations comprising a Request-and-Confirmation or comprising aResponse-and-Indication are performed.

As shown in FIG. 5, when operations occur within a local stack, theremay be two situations: mutual exchanges between the management entityand the NCMS (i.e., a bi-directional operation) or a uni-directionaloperation. For bi-directional operation, the delivery from themanagement entity through the M-SAP/C-SAP to the NCMS is called aRequest, and its response that is transmitted is called an Indication.For uni-directional operation, the delivery from the management entitythrough the M-SAP/C-SAP to the NCMS is called a Request, and auni-directional delivery in the opposite direction is called anIndication.

The primitives according to the present invention may be used for amulti-mode mobile station in which a management entity instructs acorresponding mode or when the corresponding mode delivers informationto the entity that manages all the multi-modes. In such case, thefollowing two situations can exist.

First, when the primitives are delivered from the MIH layer or MIHfunction to a lower layer, the MIH (layer or function) may interpret theinformation (e.g., commands, etc.) received from an upper layer whendelivering the corresponding primitive or the upper layer information(command) may be mapped with the commands of the present invention andtransmitted.

Second, when the primitives are delivered from the lower layer to theMIH layer or MIH function, the MIH (layer or function) may interpret theprimitive received from the lower layer when transmitting thecorresponding primitive (i.e., a unified primitive defined at the MIH)to be delivered to the upper layer or the primitive of the lower layerand the primitive to be sent to the upper layer may be simply mapped andthen transmitted.

When used in Media Independent Handover (MIH), the primitives defined bythe present invention may be delivered through the SAP between the NCMSand the MIH or the SAP between the management entity and the MIH suchthat MIH techniques can be achieved.

A method of executing scanning in a broadband wireless access systemcomprises: receiving, by a MAC layer of a mobile station, a neighborbase station information broadcast message (MOB_NBR-ADV) transmittedfrom a base station; delivering by the MAC layer, to an upper managemententity through a first primitive, the information included in theneighbor base station information broadcast message; delivering, fromthe upper management entity, a second primitive indicating scanningshould be performed at the MAC layer; performing scanning at the MAClayer with respect to neighbor case stations; and delivering by the MAClayer, to the upper management layer through a third primitive, a resultof the scanning.

To allow the mobile station to perform scanning by using the MACmessages transmitted and received with the base station and theprimitives provided by the present invention, the embodiments thatexplain the operation performed between the upper management entity andthe MAC layer via the NCMS within the mobile station and the basestation, will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the mobile station performs scanning withoutproviding a scan request to the base station. Even without neighbor casestation information being transmitted from a base station, the mobilestation may request scanning and the mobile station can itself performscanning.

The MAC layer of the mobile station receives a MOB_NBR-ADV message fromthe base station [S51], and the information included in the message canbe delivered to its upper management entity through anM_Neighbor-indication primitive [S52]. The MOB_NBR-ADV is message thatis broadcast by a base station to the mobile station for providinginformation of neighbor base stations, and the MOB_NBR-ADV messagecontains the total number of base stations, identifiers for neighborbase stations, frequencies used by neighbor case stations, channelinformation of neighbor base stations, and the like.

The NCMS entity of the mobile station delivers to the MAC layer of themobile station, an M_scanning.request that instructs scanning to beperformed [S53]. After the MAC layer of the mobile station performsscanning [S54], the results thereof are delivered to the uppermanagement entity through use of an M_Scanning.confirmation primitive[S55].

FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein scanning is performed after the mobilestation request scanning to the base station.

After the mobile station MAC layer receives a MOB_NBR-ADV message fromthe base station [S61], the information included in this message isdelivered to its upper management entity through use of anM-ScanScheduling.request primitive [S63], to instruct the base stationfor requesting a MOB_SCN-REQ message.

The mobile station MAC layer transmits the MOB_SCN-REQ message to thebase station MAC layer [S64], and the base station MAC layer deliversthe contents of the MOB_SCN-REQ message to its upper management entitythrough use of an M_ScanScheduling.indication primitive [S65].

Here, it should be noted that the scan scheduling may include at leastone factor from a group comprising: a scan duration, scan iteration,scan start frame, and interleaving interval.

The upper management entity of the base station performs scheduling forthe scanning duration and start frame of the mobile station, thendelivers these to the base station MAC layer through use of anM_ScanScheduling.response primitive [S66].

The base station MAC layer transmits a MOB_SCN-RSP message to the mobilestation in response to the MOB_SCN-REG message [S67].

After the mobile station MAC layer receives the MOB_SCN-RSP message fromthe base station, this is delivered to its upper management entitythrough use of an M_ScanSceduling,indication primitive [S68]. The uppermanagement entity of the mobile station delivers an M-Scanning,requestprimitive to instruct the mobile station MAC layer to perform scanning[S69]. After the mobile station MAC layer performs scanning [S70], theresults are delivered to upper management entity of the mobile stationthrough use of an M_Scanning.confirmation primitive [S71]. The uppermanagement entity of the mobile station delivers an M_ScanReport.requestprimitive to the mobile station MAC layer [S72], and instructs aMOB_SCAN-REPORT message to be transmitted to the base station. After themobile station MAC layer transmits the MOB_SCAN-REPORT message to thebase station [S73], this is delivered to an upper management entity ofthe mobile station through use of an M_ScanReport.confirmation primitive[S74].

As explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the primitives transmittedthrough the Management SAP (M_SAP) and/or the Control SAP (C_SAP) toperform scanning by the mobile station and to request scanning from thebase station will be explained in more detail hereafter.

(1) M_Neighbor.Indication Primitive

1) Function

The M_Neighbor.indication is a primitive transmitted from the mobilestation MAC layer to an upper management entity through the ManagementSAP, to provide the information related to neighbor base stationsreceived as a MAC management message.

2) Semantics

M_Neighbor.indication { Source, Destination, Operator ID, N_NeighborsNeighbor BS-ID, HO Process Optimization, Available Radio Resource }

The following table shows an exemplary data format of theM_Neighbor.indication primitive.

TABLE 1 Valid Name Type Range Description Source Start point ofIndication Destination Target point to which Indication is deliveredOperator ID Identifier allocated to operator of base station thattransmits the Indication N_Neighbors Total number of base station IDsincluded in the Notification and transmitted Neighbor Base station IDBS-ID HO Process This field includes information that Optimization canbe maintained during handover of MS to corresponding BS. If corre-sponding bit is set to 1, this indi- cates information that can becontin- uously maintained even upon handover to corresponding BS. Bit#0: SBC-REQ/RSP message Bit #1: PKM-REQ/RSP message Bit #2: REG-REQ/RSPmessage Bit #3: IP Address Bit #4: Time of Day Acquisition message Bit#5: TFTF message Bit #6: Information related to all services andoperations Available Percentage of sub-channels and symbol Radioresources that may be used for each Resource frame of a correspondingBS. 0b0000: 0% 0b0001: 20% 0b0010: 40% 0b0011: 60% 0b0100: 80% 0b0101:100% 0b0110~1110: Reserved bits

3) Time of Formation

The M_Neighbor.indication primitive is formed by the mobile station MAClayer after receiving a MOB_NBR-ADV message from the base station fordelivering the essential information included in the message to an uppermanagement entity.

4) Effect when Received

The upper management entity receives the M_Neighbor.indication primitivefrom the mobile station MAC layer to obtain information related to theneighbor base stations.

(2) M_ScanScheduling.Request Primitive

1) Function

The M_ScanScheduling.request is a primitive from the upper managemententity to the mobile station MAC layer that instructs a MBO_SCN-REQmessage to be transmitted to the base station for the purpose ofscanning.

2) Semantics

M_ScanScheduling.request { Source, Destination, Scan duration, BS-ID }

The following Table shows an exemplary data format of theM_ScanScheduling.request primitive.

TABLE 2 Valid Name Type Range Description Source Start point of RequestDestination Target point to which Request is delivered Scan Durationwhen MS performs scanning duration BS-ID After MS receives thisprimitive, the ID of the BS to which SCN-REQ is to be sent

3) Time of Formation

The M_ScanScheduling.request primitive is formed such that the uppermanagement entity of the mobile station instructs mobile station MAClayer to transmit a MOB_SCN-REQ message to the base station.

4) Effect when Received

After the mobile station MAC layer receives the M_ScanScheduling.requestprimitive, a MOB_SCN-REQ message is transmitted to the base station.

(3) M_ScanSceduling.Indication Primitive

1) Function

The M_ScanScheduling.indication is a primitive used by the base stationMAC layer to deliver to the upper management entity of the base station,the information related to the MOB_SCN-REQ message received from themobile station.

2) Semantics

M_ScanScheduling.indication { Source, Destination, MS MAC Address, Scanduration }

The following Table shows an exemplary data format of theM_ScanScheduling.indication primitive.

TABLE 3 Valid Name Type Range Description Source Start point ofIndication Destination Target point to which Indication is delivered MSMAC MAC address of MS that requested scan Address Scan duration Durationof scan requested by MS

3) Time of Formation

The M_ScanScheduling.indication primitive is formed after the basestation MAC layer receives a MOB_SCN-REQ message from the mobilestation, in order to deliver the corresponding information to its uppermanagement entity.

4) Effect when Received

After receiving the M_ScanScheduling.indication primitive, it isdetermined whether to allow or refuse the scanning request of the mobilestation.

(4) M_ScanScheduling.Response Primitive

1) Function

The M_ScanScheduling.response is a primitive for the upper managemententity of the base station to deliver the results of the mobile stationscanning request to its MAC layer.

2) Semantics

M_ScanScheduling.response { Source, Destination, MS MAC Address, Scanduration, Start frame }

The following Table shows an exemplary data format of theM_ScanScheduling.response primitive.

TABLE 4 Valid Name Type Range Description Source Start point of ResponseDestination Target point to which Response is delivered MS MAC MACaddress of MS that requested Address scan Scan Duration of scan allowedfor MS duration Start frame Frame that MS may begin scan. If 0, scanbegins in next frame.

3) Time of Formation

The M_ScanScheduling.response primitive is formed after the base stationupper management entity determines the results of the scan request withrespect to the mobile station, in order to deliver the correspondinginformation to its MAC layer.

4) Effect when Received

Upon receiving this primitive, the mobile station MAC layer transmits aMOB_SCN-RSP message to the mobile station.

(5) M_ScanSceduling.Confirmation Primitive

1) Function

The M_ScanScheduling.confirmation is a primitive used by the mobilestation MAC layer, after receiving the MOB_SCN-REQ message, to deliverto its upper management entity, the information related to the receivedmessage.

2) Semantics

M_ScanScheduling.confirmation { Source, Destination, Scan duration,Start frame }

The following Table shows an exemplary data format of theM_ScanScheduling.confirmation primitive.

TABLE 5 Valid Name Type Range Description Source Start point ofConfirmation Destination Target point to which Confirmation is deliveredScan duration Duration of scan allowed for MS Start frame Frame that MSmay begin scan. If 0, scan begins in next frame.

3) Time of Formation

The M_ScanScheduling.confirmation primitive is formed such that themobile station MAC layer delivers the scan related information, receivedas a response from the base station, to the NCMS or management entity.

4) Effect when Received

The upper management entity of the mobile terminal may instruct scanningto the mobile station based on the information included in the deliveredprimitive.

(6) M_Scanning.Request Primitive

1) Function

The M_Scanning.request is a primitive used such that the uppermanagement entity of the mobile station instructs the mobile station MAClayer to perform scanning.

2) Semantics

M_Scanning.request { Source, Destination, Scan duration Link QualityThreshold Link Status Report Period }

The following Table shows an exemplary data format of theM_Scanning.request primitive.

TABLE 6 Valid Name Type Range Description Source Start point of RequestDestination Target point to which Request is delivered Scan durationDuration of scan instructed to MS Link Quality Signal quality threshold.If signal Threshold falls below this value, a scanning report should bereported Link Status Period at which the scanning report Report Periodshould be reported

3) Time of Formation

The M_Scanning.request primitive is formed such that the uppermanagement entity of the mobile terminal instructs its MAC layer toperform scanning.

4) Effect when Received

The mobile station MAC layer performs scanning after receiving thisprimitive.

(7) M_Scanning.Confirmation Primitive

1) Function

The M_Scanning.confirmation is a primitive used by the mobile stationMAC layer to deliver the results of the performed scanning to its uppermanagement entity. The scan results may include messages that arebroadcast, such as, DL-MAP, FCH or Neighbor Advertisement, through whichthe base station may determine whether MIH is supported or not andwhether IS (Information Service) is supported or not, and if so, suchinformation (MIH Capability, whether IS supported or not) is included.If multiple base stations are scanned and information of such multiplebase stations are delivered, the information of the multiple basestations may be repeatedly included and delivered in one message, or aplurality of messages (=the total number of scanned base stations) maybe delivered.

2) Semantics

M_Scanning.confirmation { Source, Destination, ResultCode, BS ID, MIHCapability, Event Service Supported, Command Service Supported, ISSupport, CINR, RSSI }

The following Table shows an exemplary data format of theM_Scanning.confirmation primitive.

TABLE 7 Valid Name Type Range Description Source Start point ofConfirmation Destination Target point to which Confirmation is deliveredResult Code Enumeration Available BS Indicates results of performedscan. NoAvailable BS Available BS: BS that can be used is found.NoAvailable BS: BS that can be used not found. BS-ID Available BS as aresult of scan MIH Capability Flag 0: MIH not supported 1: MIH supportedEvent Service 0: Event service not supported Supported 1: Event servicesupported Command 0: Command service not supported Service Supported 1:Command service supported IS Supported Flag 0: IS not supported 1: ISsupported CINR CINR value of available BS as a result of scan RSSI RSSIvalue of available BS as a result of scan

3) Time of Formation

The M_Scanning.confirmation primitive is formed in order to deliver theresults of the scan performed by the mobile station to its uppermanagement entity.

4) Effect when Received

Upon receiving this primitive, the upper management entity of the mobilestation determined handover for the available base stations.

(8) M_ScanReport.Request Primitive

1) Function

The M_ScanReport.request is a primitive used such that the uppermanagement entity of the mobile station instructs the mobile station toreport the scan results to the base station.

2) Semantics

M_ScanReport.request { Source, Destination }

The following Table shows an exemplary data format of theM_ScanReport.request primitive.

TABLE 8 Valid Name Type Range Description Source Start point of RequestDestination Target point to which Request is delivered

3) Time of Formation

The M-ScanReport.request is formed such that the upper management entityof the mobile station instructs the mobile station to transmit aMOB_SCAN-REPORT message to the base station.

4) Effect when Received

Upon receiving the M_ScanReport.request primitive, the mobile stationMAC layer transmits a MOB_SCAN-REPORT message to the base station.

(9) M_ScanReport.Confirmation Primitive

1) Function

The M_ScanReport.confirmation is a primitive used by the mobile stationMAC layer, after transmitting a MOB_SCAN-REPORT to the base station, toinform this fact to its upper management entity.

2) Semantics

M_ScanReport.confirmation { Source, Destination, ResultCode }

The following Table shows an exemplary data format of theM_ScanReport.confirmation primitive.

TABLE 9 Valid Name Type Range Description Source Start point ofConfirmation Destination Target point to which Confirmation is deliveredResult Code Indicates Success, Fail with respect to Scan Report messagetransmission

3) Time of Formation

The M_ScanReport.confirmation is a primitive formed such that the mobilestation MAC layer, after transmitting the scan results to the basestation, informs this fact to its upper management entity.

4) Effect when Received

The upper management entity of the mobile station knows that the mobilestation has completed the transmission of the MOB_SCAN-REPORT message.

To implement the various features described above, the present inventioncan employ various types of hardware and/or software components(modules). For example, different hardware modules may contain variouscircuits and components necessary to perform the steps of the abovemethod of executing scanning in a broadband wireless access system.Also, different software modules (executed by processors and/or otherhardware) may contain various codes and protocols necessary to performthe steps of the present invention method.

For scanning (viewpoint of MAC), the present invention provides a methodof executing scanning for a broadband wireless access system, the methodcomprising: receiving, from a Network Control Management System (NCMS),a first primitive that indicates a scanning request; performing scanningupon receiving the first primitive; and sending, to the NCMS, a secondprimitive related to the performed scanning, whereby the secondprimitive includes a base station identity (BS-ID). The BS-ID indicatesthe identities of the base stations that have been scanned. The scanningrequest contains a duration of the scanning. The second primitiveincludes a result of scanning. The result indicates whether there areany base stations that transmit radio signals. The result includessignal strength values. The signal strength values include at least oneof CINR and RSSI. The result indicates whether the base station cansupport a media independent handover (MIH) function. The MIH functioncomprises at least an Information Service of MIH. The first and secondprimitives are delivered via at least one of a management service accesspoint (M-SAP) and a control service access point (C-SAP). The NCMSsupports a management function of a mobile station, and is a layer in anindependent entity that is a management entity. The BS-ID is a 48-bitlong field identifying the base station, the BS-ID is programmable, andthe most significant 24 bits is used as an operator identity.

For neighbor indication (viewpoint of MS MAC), the method may furthercomprise: receiving, from a base station medium access control (MAC)layer, a neighbor advertisement message; and sending, to the NCMS, aprimitive related to neighbor indication that includes at least oneparameter of a group comprising, an operator ID, current BS MIHcapability, current BS information service (IS) support, number ofneighbors, neighbor BS ID, neighbor BS MIH capability, neighbor BS ISsupport, HO process optimization, available radio resources, and MIHinformation bit map. The MIH information bit map includes heterogeneousnetwork information. The heterogeneous network information indicateswhether the heterogeneous network is MIH capable or not.

For scanning (viewpoint of MIH), the present invention provides a methodof executing scanning for a broadband wireless access system, the methodcomprising: sending, to a Network Control Management System (NCMS), afirst primitive that indicates a scanning request; and receiving, fromthe NCMS, a second primitive related to a performed scanning, wherebythe second primitive includes a base station identity (BS-ID). The BS-IDindicates the identities of the base stations that have been scanned.The scanning request contains a duration of the scanning. The secondprimitive includes a result of scanning. The result indicates whetherthere are any base stations that transmit radio signals. The resultincludes signal strength values. The signal strength values include atleast one of CINR and RSSI. The result indicates whether the basestation can support a media independent handover (MIH) function. The MIHfunction comprises at least an Information Service of MIH. The first andsecond primitives are delivered via at least one of a management serviceaccess point (M-SAP) and a control service access point (C-SAP). TheNCMS supports a management function of a mobile station, and is a layerin an independent entity that is a management entity. The BS-ID is a48-bit long field identifying the base station, the BS-ID isprogrammable, and the most significant 24 bits is used as an operatoridentity.

For neighbor indication (viewpoint of MIH), the method may furthercomprise: receiving, from the NCMS that received a primitive forneighbor indication from a mobile station medium access control (MAC)layer that received a neighbor advertisement message from a basestation, a primitive related to neighbor indication that includes atleast one parameter of a group comprising, an operator ID, current BSMIH capability, current BS information service (IS) support, number ofneighbors, neighbor BS ID, neighbor BS MIH capability, neighbor BS ISsupport, HO process optimization, available radio resources, and MIHinformation bit map. The MIH information bit map includes heterogeneousnetwork information. The heterogeneous network information indicateswhether the heterogeneous network is MIH capable or not. The method mayfurther comprise: establishing a unified interface to an upper layer ofthe mobile station for managing messages to and from at least one of ahomogeneous network and a heterogeneous network.

For scan scheduling (viewpoint of MS MAC), the present inventionprovides a method of scan scheduling for a broadband wireless accesssystem, the method comprising: receiving, from a Network ControlManagement System (NCMS), a first primitive that indicates a scanscheduling request; transmitting a scanning request containing scanscheduling information to a base station medium access control (MAC)layer; receiving a scanning response from the base station MAC layer;and sending, to the NCMS, a second primitive that indicates a result ofthe performed scan scheduling. The scan scheduling of the firstprimitive comprises at least one of a scan duration, scan iteration,scan start frame, and interleaving interval. The scan scheduling of thesecond primitive comprises at least one of a scan duration, scaniteration, scan start frame, and interleaving interval.

For neighbor indication (viewpoint of MS MAC), the method may furthercomprise: receiving, from a mobile station NCMS that received aprimitive for neighbor indication from a mobile station medium accesscontrol (MAC) layer that received a neighbor advertisement message froma base station, a primitive related to neighbor indication that includesat least one parameter of a group comprising, an operator ID, current BSMIH capability, current BS information service (IS) support, number ofneighbors, neighbor BS ID, neighbor BS MIH capability, neighbor BS ISsupport, HO process optimization, available radio resources, and MIHinformation bit map. The MIH information bit map includes heterogeneousnetwork information. The heterogeneous network information indicateswhether the heterogeneous network is MIH capable or not.

For scan scheduling (viewpoint of BS MAC), the present inventionprovides a method of scan scheduling for a broadband wireless accesssystem, the method comprising: receiving a scanning request containingscan scheduling information from a mobile station medium access control(MAC) layer; sending, to a base station Network Control ManagementSystem (NCMS), a first primitive that indicates a scan schedulingrequest has been received; receiving, from the base station NCMS, asecond primitive that indicates a scan scheduling has been performed;and transmitting a scanning response to the mobile station MAC layer.The scan scheduling of the first primitive comprises at least one of ascan duration, scan iteration, scan start frame, and interleavinginterval. The scan scheduling of the second primitive comprises at leastone of a scan duration, scan iteration, scan start frame, andinterleaving interval.

For neighbor indication (viewpoint of BS MAC), the method may furthercomprise: sending, to a mobile station medium access control (MAC)layer, a neighbor advertisement message, to allow the MS MAC layer tosend to a MS NCMS, a primitive related to neighbor indication thatincludes at least one parameter of a group comprising, an operator ID,current BS MIH capability, current BS information service (IS) support,number of neighbors, neighbor BS ID, neighbor BS MIH capability,neighbor BS IS support, HO process optimization, available radioresources, and MIH information bit map. The MIH information bit mapincludes heterogeneous network information. The heterogeneous networkinformation indicates whether the heterogeneous network is MIH capableor not.

For scan scheduling (viewpoint of MIH), the present invention provides amethod of scan scheduling for a broadband wireless access system, themethod comprising: sending, to an NCMS, a first primitive that indicatesa scan scheduling request; and receiving, from the NCMS, a secondprimitive that indicates a result of a performed scan scheduling. Thescan scheduling comprises at least one of a scan duration, scaniteration, scan start frame, and interleaving interval. The first andsecond primitives are sent and received via at least one of a managementservice access point (M-SAP) and a control service access point (C-SAP).

For neighbor indication (viewpoint of MIH), the method may furthercomprise: receiving, from the NCMS that received a primitive forneighbor indication from a mobile station medium access control (MAC)layer that received a neighbor advertisement message from a basestation, a primitive related to neighbor indication that includes atleast one parameter of a group comprising, an operator ID, current BSMIH capability, current BS information service (IS) support, number ofneighbors, neighbor BS ID, neighbor BS MIH capability, neighbor BS ISsupport, HO process optimization, available radio resources, and MIHinformation bit map. The MIH information bit map includes heterogeneousnetwork information. The heterogeneous network information indicateswhether the heterogeneous network is MIH capable or not. The method mayfurther comprise: establishing a unified interface to an upper layer ofthe base station for managing messages to and from at least one of ahomogeneous network and a heterogeneous network.

For scan reporting (viewpoint of MS MAC), the present invention providesa method of scan reporting for a broadband wireless access system, themethod comprising: performing a scanning procedure; receiving, from amobile station Network Control Management System (NCMS), a firstprimitive indicating a scan report request; transmitting a scan reportto a base station; and sending, to the mobile station NCMS, a secondprimitive indicating a scan report confirmation that includes a resultof transmitting the scan report to the base station. The resultindicates whether there are any base stations that transmit radiosignals. The result includes signal strength values. The signal strengthvalues include at least one of CINR and RSSI. The result indicateswhether the base station can support a media independent handover (MIH)function. The MIH function comprises at least an Information Service ofMIH.

For scan reporting (viewpoint of MIH), the present invention provides amethod of scan reporting for a broadband wireless access system, themethod comprising: sending, to a Network Control Management System(NCMS), a first primitive indicating a scan report request; andreceiving, from the NCMS, a second primitive indicating a scan reportconfirmation that includes a result of transmitting the scan report tothe base station. The result indicates whether there are any basestations that transmit radio signals. The result includes signalstrength values. The signal strength values include at least one of CINRand RSSI. The result indicates whether the base station can support amedia independent handover (MIH) function. The MIH function comprises atleast an Information Service of MIH. The first and second primitives aredelivered via at least one of a management service access point (M-SAP)and a control service access point (C-SAP). The method may furthercomprise: establishing a unified interface to an upper layer of themobile station for managing messages to and from at least one of ahomogeneous network and a heterogeneous network.

For the SAPs, the present invention provides a protocol architecture fora broadband wireless access system, comprising: a protocol stackcomprising a data and control plane and a management plane; a networkcontrol management system (NCMS) in communication with the protocolstack; a management service access point (M-SAP) and a control serviceaccess point (C-SAP) located between the protocol stack and the NCMS toallow primitives to be sent and received therebetween; and a mediaindependent handover (MIH) layer located above the protocol stack andthe NCMS to allow primitives to be sent and received therebetween viaone or more MIH service access points.

For the primitives stored in the MS, the present invention provides amobile station comprising: a protocol stack comprising a data andcontrol plane and a management plane; a network control managementsystem (NCMS) in communication with the protocol stack; a memory havinga plurality of primitives stored therein and defined to carryinformation between the protocol stack and the NCMS, the informationrelated to a method of executing scanning for a broadband wirelessaccess system; and a processor cooperating with the protocol stack, theNCMS, and the memory to perform the method of executing scanning for abroadband wireless access system by using the primitives. The mobilestation may further comprise: an upper management entity located abovethe protocol stack and the NCMS to allow primitives defined to carryinformation between the upper management entity and the protocol stack,the NCMS, or both, the information related to supporting mediaindependent handover.

For the primitives stored in the BS, the present invention provides abase station comprising: a protocol stack comprising a data and controlplane and a management plane; a network control management system (NCMS)in communication with the protocol stack; a memory having a plurality ofprimitives stored therein and defined to carry information between theprotocol stack and the NCMS, the information related to a method ofexecuting scanning for a broadband wireless access system; and aprocessor cooperating with the protocol stack, the NCMS, and the memoryto perform the method of executing scanning for a broadband wirelessaccess system by using the primitives. The base station may furthercomprise: an upper management entity located above the protocol stackand the NCMS to allow primitives defined to carry information betweenthe upper management entity and the protocol stack, the NCMS, or both,the information related to supporting media independent handover.

As for the results of the present invention, when the mobile stationperforms scanning by using the primitives defined according to thepresent invention, accurate operations within the protocol stack layerscan be achieved. Accordingly, Media Independent Handover (MIH)procedures can be achieved because the NCMS and MIH layer cancommunicate in a direct or indirect manner through use of theprimitives.

This specification describes various illustrative embodiments of thepresent invention. The scope of the claims is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements of the illustrativeembodiments disclosed in the specification. Therefore, the followingclaims should be accorded the reasonably broadest interpretation tocover modifications, equivalent structures, and features that areconsistent with the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein.

1-69. (canceled)
 70. A method of executing scanning at a mobile stationfor a broadband wireless access system, the method comprising; receivinga first primitive from a Network Control Management System (NCMS) of themobile station, wherein the first primitive is generated when the NCMSdecides to perform scanning; performing a scanning procedure; andsending a second primitive to the NCMS of the mobile station, whereinthe second primitive includes result information comprising a mediaindependent handover (MIH) capability to indicate if MIH function issupported.
 71. The method of claim 70, wherein the result informationcomprises result code.
 72. The method of claim 70, wherein the resultinformation comprises at least CINR or RSSI.
 73. The method of claim 70,wherein the first and second primitive are delivered via at least amanagement service access point (M-SAP) or a control service accesspoint (C-SAP).
 74. The method of claim 70, wherein the NCMS supports amanagement function of a mobile station and is a layer in an independententity that is a management entity.
 75. A method of reporting neighborbase station information for a broadband wireless access system, themethod comprising; receiving a first primitive from a Network ControlManagement System (NCMS) of a mobile station, wherein the firstprimitive is generated when the NCMS decides to perform scanning;performing a scanning procedure; sending a second primitive to the NCMSof the mobile station, wherein the second primitive includes resultinformation comprising a media independent handover (MIH) capability toindicate if MIH function is supported; receiving a neighboradvertisement message from a base station; and sending a primitiverelated to neighbor indication to the Network Control Management System(NCMS) of the mobile station, wherein the primitive comprises operatorID, number of neighbors, neighbor BS ID, HO process optimization andneighbor BS MIH capability.